Upgrade Guide

Pentax KF→Pentax K-1

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Pentax

£849

2022

→

Upgrade to

Pentax

K-1

£475 used (-£374)

2016

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the KF. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the K-1

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	KF	K-1
Price	£849	£475 used
Released	2022	2016	↓
Sensor	24.2MP APS-C CMOS	36.4MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution	24MP	36MP	↑
Video	1080p/60p	Full HD 1080/60i, 30p
Autofocus	SAFOX 13 phase-detect AF with 11 points	SAFOX 12 phase-detect AF, 33 points (25 cross-type)
Stabilisation	In-body Shake Reduction (SR II), up to 5.5 stops	5-axis sensor-shift Shake Reduction II, 5 stops
Burst Rate	6fps	4.4fps	↓
Battery Life	~410 shots (CIPA)	~760 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	643g (body only)	1010g (with battery)	↓
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	Optical pentamirror, 0.95× magnification, ~100% coverage	Pentaprism, ~100%, 0.70x
Screen	3.0" fully articulating LCD, 1.04M dots (no touch)	3.2" Flexible-tilt LCD, 1.04M dots
Mount	Pentax KF-mount	Pentax KAF2 (K-mount)
Memory Cards	Single SD UHS-I slot	Dual SD slots

Compare side-by-side

See KF and K-1 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the K-1 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the KF

Related buying guides

Camera family history